Autumn playlist!

Grab your warm knitted jumpers, cup of hot chocolate and thick comfy blanket and have a listen to this season's playlist. With some songs remembering summer, and some songs looking forward to the rest of the year ahead, there is something for everyone. I was hoping to find a song with the sound of crunching leaves, as that is the noise I associate most with autumn, but hopefully this music can make up for the lack of leaf smashing tunes out there. Please comment with your favourite songs on the playlist and just generally let me know what you think!

Link here:
http://stereoellie.blogspot.co.uk/p/autumn.html

Joe Brooks O2 Academy Islington London

Chatting with Joe Brooks in London

On the 21st of September singer/song-writer Joe Brooks returned to London for a highly anticipated show after touring countries such as South Korea and America for a long time. The O2 Academy in Islington is a great venue with an 800 person capacity and a high ceiling that produces excellent acoustics for a considerably intimate gig. I arrived a little late to the venue but caught the second half of Tyrone Wells' set. Tyrone comes from Washington and although I had not specifically followed his music before I did recognise a few songs as he has been frequently featured in television shows such as Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill and The Vampire Diaries. It was clear that he has had a lot of experience in front of an audience because he had the ability to captivate everyone not only with his charming music, but also his story-telling in between songs. Personally, I think the highlight of his set was when he asked the audience to remain silent whilst he sang without the microphone. The created an amazing atmosphere and the whole crowd fell silent (with exception to an incredibly rude guy who shouted in the middle but then received death glares) as they listened to Tyrone's impressive vocals. I always love how concerts can bring a crowd of 800 people of different ages, genders and backgrounds together to share a love for music and in that moment, it feels like everyone is equal.

Hugging Joe Brooks after his set

As Tyrone departed the stage, I was left exhilarated and ready to get caught up all over again in the music. The stage was decorated with bulbs hanging from the ceiling and an antique rug on the floor which was fitting for the British, home-coming theme. Joe took to the stage and opened with his new song 'Till My Heart Stops Beating'. He played the acoustic guitar and was accompanied by drums and the keyboard. I had a good view of the whole stage and thoroughly enjoyed singing along and dancing, beaming every time I hear an introduction to my favourite Joe Brooks songs. Along with his well-known tracks such as 'Green Eyes', 'Kaleidoscope' and 'I Find the Light in You', Joe did some covers including 'Cough Syrup' by Young The Giant, 'Come Together' by The Beatles and a Jessie J medley. The passion and soul throughout the whole show was overwhelming and it has been a very long time since I have seen an artist get so lost in his love for music and performing. The emotion in the way Joe sang and played his music was echoed by the audience even in songs that many had not heard before such as 'Carousel' and 'Oh Toronto' which are from his upcoming record 'The Boy with the Broken Machine'. When Joe performed 'Holes Inside' (which he proudly told us went to Number One in South Korea) and everybody joined to sing the line "sometimes fate and your dreams will collide" it was clear by his expression that he loved being home in the UK very much and was as happy to see us as we were to see him. After the show, I was fortunate enough to meet the talent that I had just seen on stage only to find out that Joe is an extremely nice guy to talk to as well. His Southampton accent had elements of American creeping in which I guess is expected seeing as he lives in Los Angeles now and he spends a lot of time with his American band. I had a fantastic, unforgettable night and if you ever get the chance to hear this boy's vocals live you must not pass the opportunity.

If you follow me on twitter ( @heyitselliejay ) you were probably expecting an interview with previous Artist Of The Week Tom Mann, but unfortunately he could not make it down to the show however, never fear, I have been promised a written interview in the not too distance future so keep checking back!

Halfway To New York - Treading Water (EP Review)

I bought this EP on a toasty Saturday evening in July after an unexpected visit to my local pub where the band Halfway To New York happened to be playing. The group from London write and sing pop/rock music and feeling my foot tap as I stood and listened to their songs played live encouraged me to purchase 'Treading Water'.

Treading Water - The title track of the EP was my favourite song the guys performed. The bridge with the lyrics 'Who's the boss of me, who's the boss of you?' is a simple way to get the crowd singing along, especially after a few beers. I love the concept of the metaphor 'treading water' as I interpret it to mean that he is working hard to keep his relationship afloat and trying to not let it all fall apart, however the couple are staying in the same place and not moving forward and the song is debating whether that's right or not. The chorus is easily loveable and is a great introduction to the rest of the music on the EP.

What A Way To Go - Halfway To New York are story tellers in their music and especially in this track. I really like the bass line and the lead singer, Sam Burkey, has a mature voice that reminds me of Brandon Flowers from The Killers. The first verse is really attention grabbing and I think it's one of few songs where the verse is catchier than the chorus.

Out Of Time - This is my favourite song on the album because it has a brilliant chorus that after one listen I can sing along to. Since purchasing the EP this has been a track I listen play very frequently. The dramatic bridge that builds up to an awesome instrumental is so good live and the soft ending is a fantastic contrasting way to end the song.

We Were Wrong - After three songs it was clear to me that this EP was a great find and the guys of Halfway To New York are fantastic writers. I would say this track is the rockiest due to the heavy electric guitar playing and long notes held in the chorus. If you get a chance to see the band in concert, I am sure you would agree that this song is better live.

Going Home - An obvious final song to play, this mid-tempo song is a kiss goodbye to a wonderful night of music. 'Going Home' was obviously written to please crowds and that it does, with an easy to sway to song and verses that show of Sam's vocals. I think is the best song on the EP in terms of production.

Comment if you check this EP out (its only five pounds!) or happen to run into these guys doing a show like I did and let me know what you think.

Artist Of The Week - Basic Vacation



Basically, Basic Vacation are a must-listen to new band.

I tend to start my 'Artist Of The Week' blog posts with how I first discovered each artist. I have a passion for finding new music and developing my views of it so when I come across a band I get excited. If you want to share my feelings a great way to check out new music is listening to random bands that follow you on twitter and browsing through the 'Recommended' videos when you are listening to a band you already know and love. Sometimes the bands are not brilliant or not your kind of thing, but occasionally you can come across a real gem and quickly become a fan.



 This week's Artist Of The Week is Basic Vacation and I first heard of these guys after some sad news that the drummer (Mike Montalbano) of the fabulous rock/pop band Hollywood Ending parted ways with the rest of the boys. However, it just goes to show when one door closes another one opens as Mike then went on to join Basic Vacation from New York/Philadelphia. The band are quite different from Hollywood Ending as their music is more indie pop, I would personally describe their music as refreshing and fun. Basic Vacation is a very new band and so far only has one song called 'If You Want To' but if this song is anything to go by, their future music is going to be really great. The song has a sprinkle of summer sparkle and a huge helping of catchy lyrics that make me want to dance to it all the time. The three boys in the band are all very friendly on twitter and they have the potential to go far. Currently, the guys are doing house parties across the USA and I must say I am very jealous of the American fans as what could be better than having an awesome band perform right in your front room with all your friends?

Summer Playlist

Picture credit - Tumblr

My Summer 2012 playlist is now available on the side bar so check it out and comment what you think. Hope everyone has an unforgettable summer!

http://www.stereoellie.blogspot.co.uk/p/summer-2012-playlist.html

Artist Of The Week - The Summer Set

I have an endless amount of praise for The Summer Set. The band from Arizona has been one of my favourite bands for a couple of years now ever since I heard the song 'Girls Freak Me Out'. Brian's voice is very much a voice that you either love or hate however I must say, I love it. Another thing that makes The Summer Set stand out from other bands is the fact they have a female drummer, Jess, and I think is great to see some talented girl power in a rock band. The Summer Set's last album entitled 'Everythings Fine' was one of those albums that do not have a bad song on it. Their songs on the album are a mixture of tracks with beautiful romantic lyrics and tracks about partying and having fun. My favourites are probably 'Begin Again' and 'Mannequin', although my preferences can change depending on my mood because they are all brilliant. The Summer Set have toured with some pretty impressive people too; All Time Low, Hey Monday and previous Artist of the Weeks He Is We and The Cab. They have played a few shows in the UK too and are doing a tour with Mayday Parade in October and I really hope I will be going to their show in London as I am dying to see them live.

Album Review - Whatever (Hot Chelle Rae)

I thought I would start my blog with a review of, what I feel, is the best album of 2012 so far. Hot Chelle Rae is a pop/indie band from Nashville Tennessee and their new album Whatever is bursting with instantly loveable tracks. The lead singer Ryan Follese, has a voice that could make any teenage girl's knees go weak and the musical styling's of his band mates Nash Overstreet, Ian Keagy and Jamie Follese are amazing for teenage rock lovers out there.

The opening track 'I Like It Like That' perfectly introduces the band as a group of chilled out guys who just want to have fun. Whereas some songs take a while to get into, from the first line this song can put a smile on your face. The song features New Boyz who rap a bridge which I don't think is needed and may be a couple of lines too long but makes the song accessiable to a wider, more mainstream audience. Whatever you do, do not download the Radio Disney version of the song unless you are under the age of 12. The lyrics to some of the funniest parts are changed to make them more child friendly but I think it kills the vibe a bit.

The next song is 'Tonight Tonight' which went double platinum after its release as a single last March. Rightly so, too. Carrying on the theme of forgetting the past and enjoying life without a care in the world, Tonight Tonight is a song filled with attitude and teenage humour. The best line? 'I woke up with a strange tattoo, not sure how I got it not a dollar in my pocket and it kind of looks just like you, mixed with Zach Galifinakis'. A band that can fit in the word Galifinakis in their lyrics, are a band worth listening to and leave you needing to see this tattoo. Without a doubt, this song should have been featured on The Hangover soundtrack even without the name drop.

The following song is 'Honestly' and I think this song should win an award for the most enticing first line. Ryan's voice sounds particularly cool on this track. It is a song about getting out of a clingy relationship because you can't be bothered anymore and realising that life is a lot better single and free. An excellent break up song specifically designed to annoy the pants off of your ex.

Track 4 is Keep You With Me which is a refreshing change from the previous three tracks which shows that the boys do actually have a heart and can take life seriously...at times. This slower song initially sounds very 'boy band' like with its cheesy lines and slow guitar rhythm but the chorus is powerful and heart felt.

The next tune, Radio, takes you back to the fun beats of the first three songs. It is probably the catchiest song on the album and is about a long distance relationship. This, clearly, is something the band has gone through first hand and so even though it is an up-beat song with lots of 'oh oh's, the boys' honesty is felt throughout the song. Again, this song has a rap after the bridge by Bei Maejor but this time I thought the rap was a good addition as it had humorous lyrics that make you want to get up a dance.

'Whatever', the next song is the title track of the album and honestly I think sums up the album perfectly. The 'whatever' outlook on life may not be everyone's cup of tea but I think it's great, especially for teens as we often go through very stressful times, be it at home or at school, and although i'm not denying that working hard is important, sometimes you do need to let lose a bit and forget your troubles. If youre looking for motivational music, Taylor Swift may be a little up your street, but if youre looking for music that can highlight that everyone has problems to deal with and a positive attitude can help, this is for you. My favourite song on the album, it proves Hot Chelle Rae are not only a talented band, they are insanely relatable too.

Track 7 is 'Forever Unstoppable'. The juxtaposition between Whatever and Forever Unstoppable is quite funny actually. Whatever, the song that tells you to give up and move on with your life is very different from Forever Unstoppable which gives the message that if you want something out of life, you need to get up from your backside and go get it because 'nothings impossible'. However it shows the two factors of life which is important as there is always the fear kids will take Whatever too seriously and none of our generation will have the mind-set to get jobs in the future!

The next song, featuring ex Disney star Demi Lovato, showcases Ryan's amazing vocal talents on the song 'Why Don't You Love Me?'. You would think Demi's incredible, strong voice would over-power Ryan's vocals, but their voices compliment each other's very well. Their harmonies are beautiful and I love how the song shows the two sides of the relationship; from the boy's point of view and the girl's. The situation of wanting someone to love you when they do not show as much interest is something so many people go through and the song is so well-written it makes it almost impossible to think that anyone could not love Ryan or the band.

If your heart has recovered from the angst-filled 'Why Don't You Love Me?', the next song Downtown Girl brings you back to the party mood. An easy song to dance to, it makes me question why all aritsts can't write songs that put me in such a damn right good mood?

Feel free to continue dancing because Downtown Girl is followed by another party anthem perfect for a summer party in your back garden or on the beach. Beautiful Freaks reaches out to everyone and anyone who just want to act crazy and have a good time. It encourages you to feel beautiful and can unite people through this amazing song.

The final track on the album, 'The Only One' is another example, along with Keep You With Me, that shows Hot Chelle Rae are capable of writing incredible love songs as well as their expertise in writing party tunes. The similes in the verses, for example 'its like technicolour in black and white' show they are talented guys who put a lot of thought into their writing and are not just singing about love for the sake of fitting in with other artists, but that they have felt the emotions they are describing and they are genuine feelings.

In conclusion, Whatever is a must-buy record for teenagers and I am pretty sure the 'replay' button will be worn out after your first few weeks of downloading it.